Wrestling: Elmer reaches podium at Class 3A State

• Carl Elmer

Farmington senior Carl Elmer wrestles his way to a 7-0 decision on the first day of the Class 3A State Wrestling Tournament at Xcel Energy Center.
• Carl Elmer

Carl Elmer wins a match at the state meet.

Talk about it

After quick exits from the Class 3A State Wrestling Tournament as a sophomore and junior, Farmington’s Carl Elmer went into his senior year with the goal of not just qualifying, but reaching the medal stand at Xcel Energy Center.

The 140-pounder accomplished that goal by winning four of his six matches last weekend, earning him fifth place after a second-round fall to eventual state champion Brandon Kingsley of Apple Valley.

“It was great to see Carl place at the state tourney,” first-year head coach Chad Olson said. “I know he was really disappointed after not placing last year and he put in some extra work during the off-season with the goal of placing at state this year.”

Elmer opened with a 7-0 decision over Chris Keske of Sauk Rapids-Rice before falling to Kingsley in the second round. He battled back for another 7-0 decision against Michael Nerdahl of St. Michael-Albertville and a 5-1 decision over Frank Cramer of Maple Grove in the consolation bracket, then moved to the fifth-place match after a 4-2 overtime loss to Derek Weinmann of Irondale.

Elmer claimed fifth place by beating Jamie Brazil of Robbinsdale Cooper, 6-3. Elmer closed out his senior season with a record of 36-9.

“By the end of the tourney, Carl was pretty banged up and sore, but just kept grinding away each match,” Olson said. “Carl had a great senior season and career and set a great example for the younger wrestlers in our program.”

Elmer finished his career with 118 victories. He is one of 11 Farmington wrestlers to reach the century mark.

Tags: sports, farmington, tigers, prep, wrestling